Entertainment

HBO's 'Game of Thrones' renewed for 2 more seasons

In this publicity image released by HBO, Sean Bean portrays Eddard Stark in a scene from the HBO series, "Game of Thrones." The show was nominated Thursday, Dec. 15, 2011 for a Golden Globe award for best TV drama series.(AP Photo/HBO, Nick Briggs)Show Caption

On the heels of its explosive fourth season premiere, HBO has renewed the epic fantasy series for two more years. The network promised more "dazzling storytelling" in those fifth and sixth seasons.

Based on the best-selling book series by George R.R. Martin, "Game of Thrones" is set on the exotic, often war-torn continent of Westeros. Cast regulars include Peter Dinklage, Lena Headey, Charles Dance and Natalie Dormer.

Sunday's season debut was seen by 6.6 million viewers, making it HBO's most-watched program since the finale of "The Sopranos" in 2007. Its audience was 50 percent larger than for last season's premiere.